POSITION PROFILE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

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1 POSITION PROFILE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE LEBANON, OHIO The Mercer Group is pleased to announce the opening for Director of Finance for the City of Lebanon, Ohio. This Position Profile provides information on the City and its organization, and the requirements and necessary qualifications for the position. Candidates should send resume, cover letter, and detailed salary history by 13 March Electronic Submission Only. The City of Lebanon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. THE MERCER GROUP Phillip G. Robertson Senior Vice President 3443 Highway 39 North Louisburg, North Carolina Telephone Dedicated to Excellence in Public Service 1

2 INTRODUCTION: This is an exceptional opportunity to serve on the Senior Management Team of a remarkably successful, responsive, and business-friendly municipal government. Located in the south-western segment of the triangle formed by Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton, the City of Lebanon is a unique and attractive city. With a population of just over 20,000, Lebanon sits amidst the Cincinnati Dayton metropolitan area which contains almost 3 million people. The county seat of Warren County, Lebanon is politically, geographically, economically and strategically positioned to continue its development and growth (Warren County has ranked as the second or third fastest growing county in Ohio for each of the last few years). Located directly on Interstate 71, Lebanon is recognized as a home of diverse manufacturing while offering the amenities of a small town with access to major metropolitan attractions and benefits; Dayton is 32 miles away while Cincinnati is 26 miles distant. FOREWORD: Lebanon is more than its diverse manufacturing base, important as that is for the community s overall health. Lebanon has its roots in traditional pioneer culture, as its early settlers were Shakers, veterans of the Revolutionary War, and leaders with the vision to plan for success. In surveying the first streets of Lebanon in 1802, the surveyor was instructed that Broadway was to be six-poles wide to ensure that a six-horse stage could turn completely around in front of the tavern located there. Lebanon values its history and traditions, as seen in its charming and distinct downtown, abundant arts and cultural scene, and overall ambiance (Hallmark Channel chose Lebanon as the site of its 2013 movie The Christmas Spirit). But, while it honors and respects its past, Lebanon lives in the present and looks to the future. Today s 2

3 Lebanon is alive with diverse cultures, whose influence has created an exciting and thriving community. Longtime residents cannot imagine living anywhere else, newcomers wonder why they did not move here sooner. Mayor Amy Brewer is pictured with Neil Armstrong s sons at the 2014 Neil Armstrong Way, bypass dedication ceremony. Visitors delight in the vast array of recreational activities and an award-winning downtown boasting exceptional shops, galleries, and eateries. ABOUT CITY GOVERNMENT Lebanon City Council The City of Lebanon is governed by City Charter, which was adopted by the community in 1960, and adopts a City Council/City Manager form of government. As its governing body, Lebanon's City Council is comprised of seven elected members. The Mayor is selected by the City Council to serve 2-year terms. City Council is primarily responsible for setting policy and adopting legislation for the present and future of the city. City Council recognizes that its role generally is that of a policy-making body and has a strong history of appreciating the distinct roles of city management from city council. One of the most important tasks each year for Council is approving the annual 3

4 Operating Budget ($88 million), annual update to the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan ($8.5 million), and establishing tax policies and regulations. The City Council and the Mayor appoint the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the Director of Finance (which is referred to as The City Auditor in the City Charter). These three appointed officials form the Senior Management Team that is responsible for all administrative functions of the City, including preparation of the budget, financial health, delivery of services, handling all legal issues, hiring of personnel, and implementation of policy directives of the City Council. Lebanon s city government has experienced remarkable stability. The City Manager has served the City with distinction for 15 years, the City Attorney for 17 years. The City employs 127 full time and 70 part-time staff members. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT LEBANON For further information about Lebanon, Ohio, please visit the following: LEBANON SCHOOL DISTRICT Lebanon is home to 16 parks, including the Ida Juris Bennet Dog Park. LEBANON COMMUNITY PROFILE LEBANON CITY RESOURCES FESTIVALS EVENTS CALENDAR AREA ATTRACTIONS The Lebanon community offers a wide-range of lifestyle options, from condos, to historic neighborhoods and newer communities that offer a variety of amenities. Downtown Lebanon offers many shops, restaurants, and is the site of several festivals throughout the year. The Golden Lamb, pictured, is Ohio s oldest operating Inn. 4

5 ISSUES FACING THE POSITION The following issues were identified through interviews with the Mayor and Council, the City Manager, the City Attorney, and selected Staff. Successfully addressing these issues will be of primary importance to the new Director of Finance. SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM COLLABORATION: The new Director of Finance will be expected to become a fully contributing member of the City s Senior Management Team, which includes the City Manager and the City Attorney, in addition to the Director of Finance. These three positions, working interactively embody the operational and executive leadership of the city government in Lebanon. CONTINUED FINANCIAL STABILITY: The City government is in stable and satisfactory financial condition that needs to be continued through strong financial stewardship. The new Director of Finance will be looked to for advice and guidance regarding ways to increase revenue, identify opportunities for operational savings, and efficiencies. As a full service community with utility enterprises that includes Water, Sewer, Storm Water, Electric, the City has used a typical amount of debt sales to finance some long-term infrastructure projects. The City s bond ratings range from Aa2 to A1. FINANCIAL VISION: The new Director of Finance will be expected to nourish a culture of strategic planning with the City Council, and the other members of the Senior Management Team. The City s development, implementation, and tracking of strategic financial goals, objectives, and benchmarks needs to be fine-tuned and shared with the Council, the public, and City staff. PUBLIC TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING: It will be important for the new Director of Finance to garner and maintain the trust and credibility that is placed in the City government by the residents, city staff, and business community. Residents and business leaders wish to enjoy an open, accessible financial atmosphere and they want to feel comfortable talking to and working with the new Director of Finance. This will entail the new Director of Finance becoming involved with, and in, the community. A prime example of this will be the introduction and explanation to the citizenry of new tax code provisions, along with the development and implementation of all of the inherent administrative procedures. 5

6 PROVISIONS OF THE POSITION The Director of Finance (referred to as The City Auditor in the City Charter) is appointed by the City Council, based on professional training and qualifications, to carry out the Council s policies and decisions and to ensure that the entire community is being efficiently and effectively served. The Director of Finance s duties and responsibilities will include the following: DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE (CITY AUDITOR) AS MANDATED IN THE CITY ORDINANCES: 1. The City Auditor shall direct the Department of Finance and serve as Clerk of Council. He or she shall be the Chief Financial Officer and Tax Commissioner. He or she shall perform the duties required by the Charter for those positions, those duties prescribed herein, and the administrative duties of a Department Director; 2. The City Auditor shall furnish bond in the amount of $50,000 (the cost of which is paid by the City). 3. The following specific duties are assigned to the City Auditor: a) Assure that all city expenditures meet the intent of each appropriation; that Council was aware of the intent and that each expenditure is reasonable for the goods and services provided therefor. b) Keep a full and accurate record of all monies received and disbursed on behalf of the city and of all monies due to and from the city upon contracts and orders upon which the city is obligated and otherwise. c) Receive and have custody of all monies paid to the city and disburse all city monies in accordance with the Charter and ordinances, signing all warrants upon the City Treasury in making such disbursements. d) Render a monthly report to the City Manager and to Council, reflecting the financial condition of the city, showing receipts, encumbrances and balances of all funds. The City Auditor shall also be responsible to the City Manager with respect to preparing projected expense input for the annual budget, submitting requests for material or service purchases and all supervisory and personnel functions. e) Certify that funds are available according to law to pay monies provided by all contracts, agreements or other obligations for the expenditure of the city funds. f) Make payment of the interest and principal on the bonded debt when due, and keep accurate records of such debt and of such payments thereon. 6

7 g) Prepare the city payrolls. h) Provide for the safekeeping of securities and other documents for payment of money to the city and maintain custody of all documents evidencing investments of the city. i) Prepare and submit such reports as may be required by law. j) Provide for purchasing and invoice reconciliation. k) Establish a system for facility, equipment and supply inventory accounting. 4. Payrolls. Payrolls shall be submitted to the City Manager for approval, when prepared by the City Auditor, and upon the City Manager s approval thereof, the City Auditor shall issue his or her warrants in payment thereof when due. It shall not be necessary for the City Auditor to encumber in advance or to certify as to the availability of funds appropriated for personal services except those obtained on a contractual basis, provided that upon issuance of such warrants the City Auditor shall immediately cause the appropriate funds to be encumbered to the extent of the warrants issued. 5. Treasury Investment Fund. a) Investment of surplus funds. The City Auditor shall prepare monthly a statement of monies in the Treasury or in process of collection and a schedule showing the proper requirements of money for the use of the city for the ensuing six-month period, together with a recommendation as to whether any monies in the Treasury shall be invested. The Manager and Auditor, together with the City Attorney, shall constitute the Investment Committee. The Auditor shall invest, in accordance with the requirements of applicable laws and the directives of the Investment Committee, so much of the money as the Investment Committee recommends. b) Treasury investment account. The City Auditor shall maintain an account to be known as the Treasury Investment Account, in which shall be entered all transactions relating to the investment of Treasury funds as herein provided, and shall furnish to the Investment Committee, a duplicate of all items entered thereon, showing all bonds or other securities purchased or sold for the Treasury account, with the number, maturity, date, and interest coupons, and whenever any such securities or interest coupons are due he or she shall issue his or her order for their collection in the same manner as other receipts are collected. c) Custody of securities. All securities belonging to the city purchased in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be in the custody of the City Auditor and shall be kept by him or her in a safety deposit box as are other securities owned by 7

8 the city, and properly segregated from other securities. The box shall be opened only in the presence of the Investment Committee. 6. Division of Taxation. The Division of Taxation shall be under the direction of the Deputy Tax Commissioner who shall report to the City Auditor (Director of Finance). The Deputy Tax Commissioner shall perform the following duties: a) Administer the earnings tax of the city in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 151 of the Codified Ordinances of the City. b) Keep a full, proper, and accurate account of all transactions performed by the Division of Taxation; c) Collect, account for and transfer to the City Auditor, all monies collected in administering Chapter 151 of the Codified Ordinances of the City. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS OF THE POSITION Compensation: Salary is negotiable depending upon qualifications and experience; there is an extremely attractive and competitive fringe benefits plan. Performance Planning & Appraisal: A new Director of Finance can expect to establish mutually agreeable performance goals and measures with the Mayor and Council within the first few months of employment. This will be facilitated by The Mercer Group at the request of the City. The Director of Finance will be expected to develop a yearly work plan in consultation with the other members of the Senior Management Team and submit it to the Mayor and Council. Community Involvement: The Director of Finance will be expected to take part in and support community events, programs and activities that are related to the quality of life in the community. At Will Employment Status: The Director of Finance serves at the pleasure of City Council within the provisions of an employment contract to be negotiated. Interview Process: After screening and qualification by The Mercer Group, Inc., and approval by the City Council, candidates will be invited to Lebanon for introductions and interviews with the City Council, City Manager, and City Attorney. Intensive background investigations will be conducted, which may include visits to the home city of the final candidate(s) as part of the selection process. 8

9 THE IDEAL CANDIDATE Education and Experience: Bachelor s degree in accounting, finance or a field closely related to government finance. Minimum of five years' progressively increasing executive responsibility for all financial matters in an organization close in size and complexity to Lebanon. A record of successfully dealing with elected officials and boards, other than and in concert with the City Council. A proven record of safe guarding and enhancing the public s trust in local government financial matters and operations. Fiscally astute with experience in the principles and practice of governmental accounting, including taxation, budgeting, finance, and human resource management. Solid experience and skill in revenue enhancement, financial management, financial planning, administration of budgets and municipal debt management. A record of effective hiring and of promoting employee development and leadership, including delegation, accountability, training and rewards for performance. A record of customer service to residents, establishing an organizational practice of customer-friendly services. Working Style, Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: An individual who keeps the City Council and the other members of the Senior Management Team apprised of potential financial and other problems and attendant options, being detail oriented but understanding the amount of detail needed for each interaction or discussion. A participative leader who is comfortable among highly competent and successful people in both the public and private sectors. A results-oriented and apolitical Director who can make difficult strategic decisions and communicate them in a respectful, compassionate manner. A Director who supports policy development by the Council and is skilled at translating policy into practice with staff members and citizens. A person who will become a member of community and civic organizations. A leader with the foresight to imagine and anticipate financial trends, opportunities, and problems. A person who will use demonstrated skills in interpersonal, written and oral communications to build strong trust with the Council and the public, while enhancing the credibility of City government. A person who promotes teamwork, shares information willingly, and encourages an open and transparent government. A leader who can make a quick decision under pressure when the situation demands. Someone familiar with trends in technology useful for city functions. 9

10 A Director of Finance who is aware of local, regional, state and national issues and practices. Personal Characteristics: A person of unquestioned honesty, integrity and ethics who demonstrates the highest standards of professional conduct. A strategic thinker who serves as a catalyst in developing and implementing initiatives that benefit all residents. Someone who is not interested in who gets the credit for good things happening; not a monument builder. A person who is accessible and forthright and respectful with the Council, the Senior Management Team, residents and City staff. A person who remains professional in all aspects; has the ability to listen without prejudice. Someone who understands the need to listen and learn before acting upon initiatives or making significant changes. A person who will tackle approved projects and programs with a can-do attitude. A relationship-builder with community members, the City Council, Senior Management Team and staff, and other colleagues. One who brings people together across traditional boundaries and helps to build consensus. A person who is sensitive to community history and values, and who enjoys becoming involved in community events and groups. Someone with the self-confidence to welcome the experience and expertise of the Council, the Senior Management Team, and staff, helping all groups to focus their resources on long-term gains. A leader who builds an open rapport with staff members, welcoming consultation on new ideas and problem-solving. A person who respects individuals and values professional development for each. An innovative individual of high energy. A person who comfortably combines drive and diplomacy. Someone with a thick skin and a well-developed sense of humor. 10

11 POSITION ADVERTISEMENT CITY OF LEBANON, OHIO DIRECTOR OF FINANCE This is an exceptional opportunity to serve on the Senior Management Team of a remarkably successful, responsive, and business-friendly municipal government. Located in the south-western segment of the triangle formed by Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton, the city of Lebanon is a unique and attractive city. With a population of just over 20,000, Lebanon sits amidst the Cincinnati Dayton metropolitan area which contains almost 3 million people. The county seat of Warren County, the City of Lebanon is politically, geographically, economically, and strategically positioned to continue its development and growth (Warren County has ranked as the second or third fastest growing county in Ohio for each of the last few years). Situated directly on Interstate 71, Lebanon is recognized as a home of diverse manufacturing while offering the amenities of a small town with access to major metropolitan attractions and benefits (Dayton is 32 miles away while Cincinnati is 26 miles distant). The Lebanon City Council seeks a professional Director of Finance to provide strategic and operational leadership in partnership with the City Manager and City Attorney, i.e. its Senior Management Team. The ideal candidate possesses an agile financial mind and proven experience with all areas of local government finance. The Director will supervise a staff of 9. Competitive salary ($100,000 to $115,000, DOQ), plus excellent fringe benefits. Bachelor s degree in accounting, finance or a field closely related to government finance. Minimum of five years of progressively increasing executive responsibility for all financial matters in an organization close in size and complexity to Lebanon. Individual must be able to be bonded. If chosen for an interview with the City Council, a candidate will be required to cooperate with The Mercer Group, Inc. in its conduct of background checks. Send resume; cover letter that demonstrates how your qualifications, interests, and experience coincide with this posting; detailed salary history; by 13 March 2017, to Phillip Robertson, The Mercer Group, Inc., MercerNC@aol.com (electronic submission required). View an in-depth profile of the position at by clicking on the Current Searches tab. 11